About Bioworks

With more than 40 years in the field of plastics, we have seen various material processes change from metal to plastic. As environmental issues have begun to be addressed, the plastic industry has continued to respond to the increase in demand, while saying that “it is not safe to continue like this.” Although I understand plastic is convenient, I still wonder if the current situation is okay.

Regarding ideas on environmental business, I could not be fully devoted to improving the environment with the principles and motives such as “Social justice is corporate evil. Even if I pursue social justice, it will not be of benefit for the company.” I established Bioworks with the strong desire to improve the environment as a business.

Polylactic acid is plant-derived biodegradable plastic, with exceptional antibacterial and heat resistant properties. If polylactic acid can be used to make fibers and molded products in the normal way, developing applications outside the range of conventional petroleum-derived plastics can become a possibility. After more than 20 years of research, PlaX™ has made such possible. Today, more and more young people joining this company have new sensitivities. For the new ideas that are born here, I feel it is my mission to provide people-friendly manufacturing using PlaX™. The entire world is now in pain due to environmental pollution. If we think about our children, we as adults who are responsible for destroying nature, cannot stand by and do nothing. Creating new businesses with “a happy environment for people and nature” as the keyword. Isn’t it glorious fun? A business that doesn’t make anyone cry is good, right? And there is nothing better than if a business can make the world happy.

All materials called plastic and synthetic, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and nylon are made from polymers (large molecules with many interconnected atoms). One hundred years have passed since the concept of macromolecules was first proposed. Commonly used polymer products have greatly contributed to a higher standard of living.

However, the creation of “disposables” which can be supplied in large quantities at low cost has resulted in an increased environmental burden. Artificially synthesized polymers made from petroleum resources, an exhaustible resource, are unacceptable in nature. However, they are “disposed of” because they can be supplied in large quantities at low cost, and as a result, have increased the environmental burden. Marine plastic waste is typical example of the problem.

Using its original technology, Bioworks has developed PlaX™, a biodegradable polymeric material from plants and other renewable resources as raw materials which is easy for nature to accept. In response to the needs of the market, a wide range of functions have been added to PlaX™. Up to now, we have created various household items, including cups, bottles, mannequins, etc.

However, applications in the textile field as PlaX™ fiber are still being developed. For PlaX™ to become the next biggest synthetic fiber after the three major synthetic fibers, polyester, nylon, and acrylic, we have studied the existing natural and synthetic fibers, and sought to achieve new functions that provide safety and security/amenities (comfort and ease), and which can coexist with the global environment.
In the future, we hope to create a good cycle, not only ecologically but also economically, by expanding the use of PlaX™ and contributing to industrial development.

Science has always defied current conventional wisdom. For example, it was previously considered common knowledge that polymers could not conduct electricity. However, polymers that can conduct electricity have since been developed and put into practical use. We would like to bring a good cycle not only ecologically, but also economically by such scientific possibilities and expanding the use of PlaX™ and contributing to industrial development. As we continue to think outside the box and provide polymer materials that will continue to bring prosperity to society even 100 years from now.